Andy "Thunderclap" Newman burst on the scene with a captivating song titled Something In The Air that became an FM Rock radio staple in the early 70's. The song featured Pete Townshend of the Who on bass and future Wings guitarist Denny McCullough. Newman faded quickly, but the song established itself as one of the biggest non hit hits of the decade. Newman died Wednesday (3/30), according to a post on the Who web site. Newman was 73.

The Friday (4/1) Dvaid Bowie tributE concert being staged at Radio City Music Hall in New York will be available as it happens online via Skype to fans making a donation to arts music and education charities. Nearly 20 mostly alternative artists are participating, including the Pixies and Mumford & Sons.

Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales reportedly got some post-wrap additions that include a scene with Paul McCartney. Nothing has been revealed about the nature of Sir Paul's part in the 5th Pirates film, but there is plenty of time for more info to slip out; the film won't hit screens until Memorial Day weekend 2017.

One of Pink Floyd's legendary concerts took place at the Hollywood Bowl in 1972. David Gilmour hadn't been back on that stage or even in the venue since that night until Thursday (3/24) when the former Floyd guitarist staged a muti-media rich performance that used the entire backdrop of the shell as a canvas. The effect was similar to an IMax experience. With only four cities on his itinerary, Gilmour's first tour in over a decade is a tough ticket. Fans lucky enough to get one of the Bowl show also got to see David joined by David Crosby on a few songs.

Confirmed dates for the Guns N' Roses reunion remain at just Las Vegas (4/8), Coachella (4/16&23) and Mexico City (4/19&20), but the group posted a video clip to its Twitter account that makes it clear that concerts are in the works for Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Nashville, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Philadelphis, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Toronto and Washington, DC.

The Rolling Stones performed an 18 song 2+ hour set for a pulsing sea of fans in Havana Friday night (3/25). The milestone event launched with Jumpin' Jack Flash and wrapped-up with You Can't Always Get What You Want and Satisfaction, two classics that were sure to have been favorites for underground fans of the banned band during the decades that listening to their music was a risky proposition. Throughout the set, Mick Jagger conversed with the audience in its native tongue, at one point saying, 'We know that years back it was hard to hear our music in Cuba, but here we are playing. I also think the times are changing', comments that got a rousing reaction from the throng. Original plans for the concert to take place at a smaller oudoor venue were scrapped when the level of anticipation for the show made it obvious more space was needed. Fans started arriving at the complex of baseball and soccer fields known as Havana Sports City on Friday night. By concert time its estimated capacity of a half million people had been reached.

The lavish Island retreat David Bowie owned in Mandalay is available to rent for those willing to lay out between $40,000 and $70,000. The Mustique Island 5 bedroom estate is reprotedly includes furnishings chosen by Bowie himself and features an infinity pool, a room devoted to games and a dining pavilion. The home, said to be worth $20 miillion, was bought from the singer by a wealthy super fan.DailyMail.co.uk

The Liverpool home that Ringo Starr moved to with his mother shortly after she divorced his father was sold Thursday (3/24) at an auction for just under $99,000. The new owner is Jackie Holmes, a Beatles fan who reportedly has previously bought properties tied to John Lennon and George Harrison. The modest home at 10 Admiral Court was where young Richard Starkey learned to play drums. It became a place Ringo and his band mates frequently got together in the early days of the group and was the setting for Ringo's wedding.

Zakk Wylde hasn't been a member of Ozzy Obourne's band in 7 years, but the guitar great says he is ready to refill that role if Ozzy ever wants him to. Speaking with Jenny McCarthy on SiriusXM's Dirty Sexy Funny show, Wylde said he and the Osbournes stay in close contact and both know he is always at the ready if the opportunity arises. How ready? Well, Wylde put his willingness to do thing for Ozzy and Sharon this way: 'If they called me up and asked me to come over, bring some eggs and milk over to the housaee and clean the dog run 'cause they had company coming over, I'd do it' ready! Zakk also added that he is a big fan and close bud with Gus G, Ozzy's current guitarist, calling him '...a phenomenal, shredding, awesome guitar player and an awesome dude.'

Iron Maiden's venture into the brewing biz has already produced Trooper Ale and Trooper 666 beers. A third will be introduced later this year when the band's Red N' Black porter starts flowing. The move into the heavier brew by one of the heaviest bands in the world is being orchestrated by the group in conjunction with Robinson's Brewery. The beer takes its name from the title of a recently written 13+ minute song by bassist Steve Harris. Brand Manager John Robinson says the band's Trooper line of beers have been a 'phenomenal success' for his brewery. He expects this slightly more potent porter to do very well. Maiden's Bruce Dickenson says, 'Stouts and porters were virgin territory for me, so I just went by feel', and adds, 'I hope we have created a new take on a classic beer and one which I hope will tickle the taste buds of ale fans in a pleasently unexpected way'. Fans of beer and the band will get the chance to find out in September.

Final mix work on the next Red Hot Chili Peppers album is underway. Chad Smith posted an in-studio pic of himself with Nigel Godrick, aka Danger Mouse, on Twitter. RHCP will start a 2016 series of festival dates in the US, Europe and Canada with an April 24 performance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Sony's recent purchase (story) of the a big stake of the publishing rights to Beatles songs that Michael Jackson bought about 30 years ago could be followed by Paul McCartney reclaiming the rights himself to songs he and John Lennon wrote. A US copyright provision enacted in 1976 allows for original writers of material that has been acquired by others to reclaim their rights to it after 56 years. That opens the door to Sir Paul to reacquire rights to some of the early songs he wrote and co-wrote as early as 2018. Billboard reports that paul did file paperwork in December aimed at doing just that for 32 songs he had a hand in writing. If the termination application is granted, the former Beatle would regain publishing his half of the rights for the US only. Sony/ATV would retain rights to the other half outside of the US.BBC.co.uk

Metallica is amping up awareness of Record Store day on April 16 by streaming a segment of a 2003 concert in Paris. The 9th anniversary Ambassadors of the day celebrating independent, local music stores released a statement reading, 'Record stores are where our musical education began and was subsequently nurtured and shaped, playing a huge role in who we ar as musicians today. It's important for us to support this cause and encourage music fans everywhere to experience the exciting, inspiring, nostalgic journey through the world of music stores that we were fortunate enough to explore in our formative years.' Metallica will release expanded, remastered versions of Ride The Lightning and Kill 'Em All on Record Store Day. Get complete info on other releases here.

Paul Rodgers will be at the mic when Bad Company hits the road for a co-headlining tour this spring with Joe Walsh (story and dates), but guitarist Mick Ralphs has decided to sit the tour out. Bad Co has recruited former Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson to fill Mick's role. Ralphs did make a point of sending a message that his decision does not mean he's done performing or as being a member of the group, telling ABC News Radio, 'The travel required to do these dates is something I'm just not feeling up for at the moment', but adding' 'I'm glad the band found Rich to take my place for this run, I'm sure he'll be great. See you all again soon'.

Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey have been very generous in lending their talent to fund raising campaigns to support organizations in the fight against cancer, particularly in young people. The pair of Who legends also stepped up and donated a million dollars to New York's Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for the establishment of a lounge facility where teens with cancer can relax in comfort and, as Daltrey said at its opening, hopefully make '...their hospital experience as positive as possible.' Stocked with a variety of comfortable seating, top-notch HD big screens, awesome sound, games of all kinds and an eraseable graffiti wall, The Lounge will go a long way toward doing just that. Townshend and Daltrey have contributed toward the creation of close to 30 similar program spaces in the UK and 9 others in the US. The Who lead singer calls their combined effort a way to express their appreciation to teenagers because the success of the Who would never have come about without the energized teens that supported them in the band's early days.

Neil Peart was doing as much writing as drumming during what is expected to be the final Rush tour. His personal account of the 35 concert trek will come out in book form on September 13. Peart spent much of his on tour time when he wasn't astride his drum stool astride the seat of his BMW motorcycle exploring the backroads of areas Rush toured. Places he went, people he met and things he saw along the 17,000 miles he logged on his bike during the multi-month tour should make Far And Wide: Bring That Horizon To Me! a good read for more than just hard core Rush fans. The book gets published September 13 by ECW Press.

A legendary series of concerts the Grateful Dead performed in the summer of 1978 are included in a limited edition box set being released on May 13. July 1978: The Complete Recordings includes full perfrmances recorded that month at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City (7/1), the St. Paul Civic Center (7/3), the Omaha Civic Auditorium (7/5), and Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado (7/7 & 8). The Complete sets will be limited to 15,000, but the Red Rocks concert from 7/8/78 is being made available on a stand-alone basis.

On May 29, 2006, David Gilmour pulled off one of the biggest surprise gueat appearances ever during his concert at Royal Albert Hall when David Bowie strolled on stage to join him of Arnold Layne. Bowie also took the lead vocals on Comfortbly Numb that night. It would be the final time Bowie would perform in public in London.

Even the sky doesn't seem to be the limit when it comes to real estate values in Manhattan - especially if the property has a connection to a major celebrity. The 5th Avenue penthouse Keith Richards paid $10.5 million for just two years ago has been put back on the market by the Rolling Stones guitarist for $12.23 million. The two story, four bedroom/four bath pad is flanked on three sides by terraces.

Accounts that Brian Johnson's hiatus from performing live with AC/DC would be a temporary measure taken because doctors were concerned he might lose his hearing (story) were called into question after comedian Jim Breuer intimated that the band may have decided to cut ties with their lead singer. Breuer, who became friends with Johnson after the singer heard his great impression of him, seemed to believe that Johnson was getting 'kicked to the curb' by the group. He later indicated that he may have been mistaken. Whether Johnson is in or out of the band over the long term, it appears likely that AC/DC will need a sub if the North American tour dates listed as postponed are going to get rescheduled anytime soon. Pre Bon Scott singer Dave Evans was quick to offer his services. Another name put forward is Marc Storace of Krokus.

Here's a look at Breuer channeling Johnson on an episode of the Dan Patrick Show last year.

Sony Music has reportedly paid $750 million to buy back the rights to the Beatles catalog that Michel Jackson purchased just over 30 years ago. The pop singer purchased the publishing rights to the material for about $47 million in 1985.

Keith Emerson, the extraordinary musician whose brilliant keyboard work defined so many great works by Emerson, Lake & Palmer, has died. Word of his passing came via a post from the Prog Rock group's Facebook page that read, "We regret to announce that Keith Emerson died last night (3/10) at his home in Santa Monica". Former band mate Carl Palmer expressed his sorrow over the loss, writing, " I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend and brother-in-music, Keith Emerson. Keith was a gentle soul whose love for music and passion for his performance as a keyboard player will remain unmatched for many years to come." Emerson was 71. No cause of death was provided, but a Rolling Stone magazine account of Emerson's death made reference to a TMZ report indicating he may have taken his own life with a gun.

Don Henley told the BBC that the Eagles were planning a summer tour that would feature full album performances of Hotel California. The death of Glenn Frey scuttled that and, judging from the interview, makes it unlikely that the band will ever do another concert. Henley has committed to participating in a tour backing Carole King in concerts performing her Tapestry album.

Doctors have concluded that Brian Johnson would probably suffer permanent hearing loss if AC/DC doesn't take a break from touring. The prospect of having their front man go deaf has forced the band to postpone 10 dates on their current tour. The delayed dates include Ft. Lauderdale (3/11), Greensboro, NC (3/14), Washington, DC (3/17), Detroit (3/20), Columbus, OH (3/263), Cleveland (3/26), Buffalo (3/29), Philadelphia (4/1) and New York City (4/4).

The wife of Eagles co-founding member Randy Meisner apparently died of an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound in the couple's Hollywood home on Sunday (3/6). An LAPD statement indicates that Lana Meisner was moving a rifle from a storage case in a closet when something else in the closet shifted, causing the firearm to discharge. The former Eagles member has reportedly had legal and mental health issues in recent months and the shooting occurred on the same evening that police had evidently made an earlier visit to investigate a domestic abuse call. The LAPD indicates the musician has been 'cooperative' with their investigation.

Graham Nash says that Crosby, Stills & Nash are unlikely to ever perform together again, and he lays the blame squarely on David Crosby. Talking with Lust For Life, Nash tore into Crosby, who he says has been 'fucking awful' to him over the last couple of years, adding, 'I've been there and saved his fucking ass for 45 years - abd he treated me like shit.' And he didn't stop there. He also says 'David single-handedly tore the heart out of CSN&Y and CSN.' Wow.

Opera du Montreal is preparing for a full-on production based on Pink Floyd's Another Brick In The Wall. Performances will take place in the City's Place Des Arts. Roger Waters was less than convinced the idea of music from the group's epic 1979 album morphing into operatic form was a good idea, but credits the Opera's representatives for being persistent and persuasive. When they presented im with a sample of what they had in mind, Waters said, 'I sat there not expecting to be moved, an I was moved. So I approach shis projet with great enthusiasm.'

Who fans attending the band's Thursday (3/3) concert at Madison Square Garden were greeted with a large, projected message honoring David Bowie before the Who took the stage. The message read, "David Bowie. Friend of The Who, Son of New York. Tonight we distinctly miss David Bowie, longtime fan of The Who. He's told the story of how he climbed the fence at London's Roadhouse to sneak backstage and give Pete Townshend a copy of his new 1969 album, David Bowie. He covered I Can't Explain and Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere on his Pin Ups album. Nearly every year at MSG, he sat in the first row right beside the stage. We'll miss our friend, a true icon of music and art, and a brilliant innovator."RollingStone.com

The 2016 One Hell Of A Night Tour pairs Bad Company (with paul Rodgers out front again) with Joe walsh for a co-headlining tour starting May 12 in Dallas and reeling off 23 other dates before wrapping up in Nashville July 3. The lineup of alternating closing set appearances is one Rodgers says he's been looking forward to forever, adding, 'It's taken us this long, so I wouldn't miss this.' Walsh chimed in, 'Paul and I agreed it would be a hell of an evening of music, one that will be memorable for everyone who comes, and memorable for us, and that's important in tis day and age.' (Tour Dates below).

Bad Company has also announced the release of a double live album of its original lineup recorded at The Summit in Houston in May of 1977 and Wembley in London (then The Empire Pool) in March of 1979. Bad COmpany Live In Concert 1977 & 1979 will be released April 29.

Izzy Stradling left the door open in the phrasing of his announcment that he is not in the lineup for the Guns N' Roses reunion by leading with 'At this point in time'. The confirmation he is a non participant was apparently emailed to Rolling Stone magazine. The guitarist says he opened a Twitter account to clear up rumors about his status because '...There was just so much speculation' and he wanted to '...clarify that I am not in the studio recording with any of the Guns N' Roses guys. At this point in time, I'm not involved in the actual shows.'

Pete Townshend spent some time Friday (2/26) recording acoustic songs at a studio near Detroit featuring retro analog equipment. The 45 Factory Recording Studio is located about 20 miles north of the city and is owned and operated by Ryan McGuire. Townshend loved the experience, writing that recording direct to tape resulted in 'Wonderful sound, the way it always used to be for me', a result he credits to equipment restored to like new condition. McGuire called the opportunity to engineer the four hours the Who guitarist spent in his studio a career highlight for him because he's always been a huge fan of Pete and his music.TheOaklandPress.com

The Rolling Stones will become the first UK Rock band to perform an outdoor concert in Cuba when the group takes the stage at the Ciudad Deportiva de la Habana, a 15,000 seat stadium that usually hosts the Cuban National Volleyball team. The historic date will be coupled with an initiative to get a number of musical instrument companies to provide guitars, drums, amps and other equipment to musicians in Cuba. The announcement of the date on the Stones web site included these words: "We have performed in many special places during our long career but this show in Havana is going to be a landmark event for us, and, we hope, for all our friends in Cuba too'.

Dreaming On The Beach, a March 11th concert at the Jackie Gleason Theater, will be the first live performance by former Genesis member Phil Collins in six years. The event will raise money for the Little Dreams Foundation, a children's charity Collins played a founding role in. The drummer recently made a point of downplaying expectations that he could resume touring and that he still considers a Genesis reunion only a possibility (story). He also dispelled rumors that he is recording a new solo album, telling Classic Rock magazine, 'I haven't written a song yet. Things have been elaborated on to make a better story, but I'm not sure how that will take shape yet.'